The recent ICE raids and subsequent protests in Los Angeles have sparked a wave of solidarity and support from various arts organizations in the city. These organizations have come together to denounce the mass deportations of immigrants and the presence of the military in the city, calling the events a “manufactured crisis.”
The Japanese American National Museum, Chinese American Museum, LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, and Grand Performances issued a joint statement expressing their opposition to the unjust actions and their support for peaceful assembly and free speech. They emphasized that downtown Los Angeles is a diverse and welcoming community, urging people not to fear coming into the city.
Other organizations, including the Social and Public Art Resource Center (SPARC), Destination Crenshaw, the Vincent Price Museum of Art, and the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA), have also voiced their solidarity with immigrant communities and their commitment to justice and inclusion. These organizations have shared resources and offered support to those affected by the federal government’s actions.
Despite the curfew imposed on downtown LA, the Institute of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (ICA) has pledged to provide a safe space for all individuals and stand in solidarity with those peacefully protesting the unjust deportations and military presence.
In addition to statements of solidarity, some organizations like Self-Help Graphics have taken direct action by offering immigrant rights workshops and distributing “Know Your Rights” posters to the community. The nonprofit Art Made Between Opposite Sides (AMBOS) is also working to provide ongoing support beyond the immediate crisis.
While smaller and independent arts organizations have been vocal in their support, larger institutions like LACMA, MOCA, the Hammer, the Getty, and the Broad have remained silent on the issue. Despite this, the arts community in Los Angeles continues to stand united in support of immigrant rights and social justice. The AMBOS project, founded by Tanya Aguiñiga, has become a crucial hub for distributing information, organizing monthly fundraisers, and connecting with networks in Mexico to support individuals who are deported. The range of assistance provided by AMBOS is vast, encompassing financial contributions, physical support, and knowledge generation. Aguiñiga emphasized the importance of this multi-faceted approach in an interview with Hyperallergic.
Artists have also played a significant role in supporting the cause, creating new works or sharing existing pieces that address the anti-immigrant rhetoric prevalent in the country. Patrick Martinez, for example, distributed neon signs reading “DEPORT ICE” and “THEN THEY CAME FOR ME” at a recent protest in Downtown LA. Martinez views his art as a reflection of the current sociopolitical climate, emphasizing the interconnectedness of art and activism.
In response to the arrest of SEIU President David Huerta during an immigration protest, artist Lalo Alcaraz modified a painting of Huerta to advocate for his release. The revamped image, featuring the text “Free David Huerta” and “Show ICE LA Puerta,” was printed on posters and prominently displayed at a rally demanding Huerta’s freedom. Alcaraz highlighted the power of visual imagery in raising awareness and mobilizing support for important causes.
Barbara Kruger’s iconic artwork “Untitled (Questions)” has also played a symbolic role in recent events, serving as a backdrop for photographs capturing clashes between police and protesters. Kruger’s poignant questions about liberty, power, and patriotism continue to resonate in the current political climate, prompting reflection on the recurring cycles of societal unrest.
Artist Nadya Tolokonnikova’s durational performance “Police State” at MOCA Geffen coincided with the protests, underscoring the global nature of state violence and oppression. Tolokonnikova’s reflections on solidarity and the illusion of progress challenge conventional narratives of historical development, highlighting the ongoing struggles faced by marginalized communities worldwide.
Kiyo Gutierrez’s poignant installation, featuring the message “NO HUMAN IS ILLEGAL” constructed with ice and soil along the LA River, took on added significance in light of the recent ICE raids. Gutierrez’s ritualistic gesture, performed just before the raids, embodies the resilience and urgency of the immigrant experience, serving as a poignant reminder of the human cost of harsh immigration policies.
Overall, the collective efforts of artists, activists, and organizations like AMBOS demonstrate the power of art and community engagement in advocating for social justice and supporting vulnerable populations. By leveraging their creative talents and resources, these individuals are driving meaningful change and fostering solidarity in the face of adversity. As the sun rises higher in the sky, melting away the artificial man-made borders that divide us, we are reminded of the interconnectedness of all people and lands. Borders, like ice under the sun, should flow away with the currents of the rivers, allowing for a more open and inclusive world.
It is important to remember that no human is illegal. The concept of illegal immigration is a construct created by those in power to control and criminalize individuals who are simply seeking a better life for themselves and their families. Crossing borders should not be a crime, especially when those borders are drawn on stolen land.
The history of colonization and imperialism has led to the displacement and marginalization of countless communities around the world. It is a reminder that the idea of borders and boundaries is often arbitrary and unjust. We must work towards a world where all people are free to move and live where they choose, without fear of persecution or discrimination.
As we strive for a more just and equitable society, we must challenge the systems of oppression that seek to divide us. We must advocate for the rights of all people, regardless of their nationality or immigration status. Let us work together to create a world where borders are not barriers, but bridges that connect us to one another.
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